A love affair with garlic

Scientists found the sweat of men who had eaten the bulb smelt more attractive to women.

Scientists found the sweat of men who had eaten the bulb smelt more attractive to women.

Published May 15, 2012

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Garlic expert Natasha Edwards has devoted years to researching the bulb’s hidden healing powers, and says: “I'm still constantly amazed and intrigued by the healing power of garlic, it truly is a medicinal marvel.”

Her new book, Garlic: The Mighty Bulb, is packed with health-boosting recipes and remedies using garlic, which she's tried and tested first hand on her family's garlic farm on the Isle of Wight, which produces more than 20 varieties of garlic across 60 acres.

“Incredibly, years and years of planting, harvesting, cleaning, plaiting, cooking, tasting and talking about garlic have done nothing to dampen my enthusiasm for the 'stinking rose' - its historical nickname,” she says.

While garlic has been used medicinally for at least 3,000 years, she points out that it's only relatively recently that its benefits have been scientifically proven to be more than folklore.

“More than 1,000 scientific studies now detail its useful chemicals which can do everything from lowering cholesterol, to preventing blood clots, and reducing blood pressure,” she says.

“As well as vitamins and minerals, the cloves contain numerous health-giving sulphur compounds of which allicin is the most potent. These are triggered into action when the garlic is chewed, crushed or cut.

“They then set to work in harmony with the body to protect it against a variety of common ailments and more serious diseases.

“There's now a growing body of opinion that garlic may even have a role in helping protect against certain cancers such as those in the gut.”

Check out ways you could boost your health and wellbeing with Edwards's suggestions for using garlic.

GRAB THE GARLIC

Edwards recommends a daily dose of garlic - one to two cloves as a preventative dose - for long-term health benefits.

The World Health Organisation recommends one clove (2-5g) of raw garlic a day to promote general health.

There are many ways to take garlic, says Edwards, such as adding a clove or two to cooking, although this means it will lose a degree of its potency.

“For the most powerful medicinal effect, a daily dose of raw garlic is best,” she advises.

“Chewing raw cloves first thing in the morning probably won't appeal, and it's not a good idea to eat garlic on an empty stomach, but there are ways to make it more palatable.”

Initially, she says, it's advisable to start with a very small amount, a quarter or a half-a-clove eaten with other food, then gradually build up your intake so that you can assess your body's reaction to it.

* Note: As garlic can slow blood clotting, it should be avoided by pregnant women and those anticipating surgery or dental procedures, and those who have sensitive stomachs or ulcers. If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, you should consult your doctor before consuming garlic regularly, especially in raw form.

GARLIC TO GO

Suggestions for easy ways to take garlic:

* Crush or bash garlic into a small amount of olive oil and spread it on bread or toast - add cheese or Marmite for flavour if desired.

* Place a slice between two thin slices of apple to reduce its fiery flavour.

* Include raw garlic in meals by adding crushed garlic to salad dressings and cold sauces, toss cooked vegetables in finely diced garlic and butter or olive oil.

If you're worried about the odour on the breath, chew a roasted coffee bean, eat a couple of lemon slices, or brush your teeth and tongue with toothpaste or baking soda.

TOP-TO-TOE HEALTH

Garlic has many antiseptic properties that can be used to treat many skin conditions and external infections, says Edwards.

* For acne, spots or mouth ulcers, simply hold a chopped clove against the infected area for a few minutes. Never leave garlic on the skin for more than 10 minutes.

* Verrucas and warts: First protect the healthy skin around the verruca or wart by smearing with petroleum jelly before applying the garlic. Thinly slice a tiny piece of garlic, then put it on the verruca or wart. Secure it in place with a plaster or piece of gauze and medical tape. Replace with a fresh piece daily. This method should dissolve the wart or verruca within a week.

Note: Garlic applied directly to the skin can cause chemical burns, contact dermatitis and bronchial asthma. It is important to patch test for any allergic reaction first and avoid leaving garlic in contact with the skin for too long. Be especially careful if treating children's skin.

BEAT THE SNEEZE

Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural antiviral to ward off symptoms of cold and respiratory infections.

“I've found a garlic infusion will knock a cold on the head if you drink it at the early onset of the symptoms,” says Edwards.

Garlic tea: Pour 250ml of boiling water over four large roughly chopped garlic cloves and allow them to infuse for a few minutes. Stir in the juice of half a lemon, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and honey to taste. Pour into a mug and sip the hot mixture. For maximum benefits, she recommends scooping out the chopped cloves from the bottom of the mug and eating those too.

BITE BARRIER

Regular consumption of garlic is an effective repellent to mosquitoes and gnats, says Edwards, as a small amount of sulphur released in the perspiration after eating garlic may help prevent insects from biting.

“Alternatively, a diluted solution of garlic and water or garlic crushed into petroleum jelly and applied to the skin is helpful in warding off all types of biting bugs,” she says.

HAPPY HEART

We're all concerned about the health of our hearts, since cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the UK.

While combating this problem often involves comprehensive lifestyle changes, taking garlic can also play an important part since it has been proven in studies, says Edwards, to lower cholesterol and reduce blood clotting, leading to better circulation and reduced risk of thrombosis.

POTENT POWER

Garlic's ability to improve circulation to all parts of the body may be behind its seemingly unlikely reputation as an aphrodisiac.

It's believed that garlic can act as natural Viagra, says Edwards, by improving blood flow and is prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners to improve virility.

Research by Dr Joerg Gruenwald, of Berlin University, found that garlic's effect on circulation could be of benefit to any narrowed arteries in the groin.

He believes, however, that normal garlic consumption would be insufficient to have an effect and instead recommends garlic supplements.

IMMUNITY BOOST

We all recognise that run-down feeling when it seems every bug and cold is actively seeking us out, says Edwards.

“At time like this, eating relatively large quantities of garlic can be very beneficial,” she says.

“Garlic has proven immune-stimulating properties which, combined with its ability to transport toxins out of the body, make it an excellent fortifier at times when the body feels under attack.”

TUMMY TAMER

Garlic was highly sought after during the First and Second World Wars not only to treat infection in open wounds but also to help cure dysentery. Some research since has shown it's effective against diseases causing bacteria and yeast overgrowth in the gut.

For mild stomach upsets, Edwards suggests crushing three large garlic cloves into one dessert spoon of olive oil and mixing it into a paste before slowly incorporating with a small quantity of warmed milk. Add sugar or honey to taste.- Community Telegraph

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